Tiang (centre) among SMC representatives and other attendees declaring open the riverside festival.
THERE are plans to have an international centre to develop performing arts in Sibu.
Sarawak Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said Sibu needed the facility and he hoped to raise the matter with the state government with the support of the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).
Tiang said the development of the arts would also benefit the tourism industry and local businesses.
“In Kuching, plans are underway to repurpose the old State Legislative Assembly building into a new performing arts centre, providing a platform for local artistes,” he said.
He was speaking at the Rejang Riverside Festival, which saw performances of modern and traditional dances by Malaysians and Singaporeans.
Tiang, who is Pelawan assemblyman, also commended Hornland Dance Theatre (HDT), led by Chen Ing Kuan, for organising the festival to offer a platform for local artistes to showcase their talents to the public.
“HDT has been actively organising various performing arts events for the past 30 years since its establishment in 1995,” he said, adding that the group’s dedication, commitment and passion shown for the industry resonated with many.
Under Chen’s leadership, he said, HDT would continue to train and nurture new dancers, bring performing arts to Sibu’s forefront and showcase local artistes across the country and abroad.
